Cleburne County, Alabama, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Tropical Storm Dexter has caused widespread flooding across the Southeast, particularly impacting Alabama with significant rainfall and emergency rescues. Flood watches are in effect as authorities warn residents of potential dangers, including urban flooding in major cities. The persistence of a stalled cold front suggests ongoing rainfall and flood risks in regions such as Florida and Georgia, prompting critical safety measures and alerts from officials.
Severe Flooding Fears as Tropical Storm Dexter Hits the Southeast
This weekend, residents of Cleburne County, Alabama woke up to the alarming impacts of torrential rainfall as Tropical Storm Dexter churned off the U.S. East Coast, culminating from a stalled cold front that’s been extending its reach across the Southeast. Flood watches have been issued, impacting millions who may find themselves navigating troubled waters in the days ahead.
Deadly Incidents Illustrate the Severity
On Sunday, August 4, 2025, the danger became all too real. A tragic incident unfolded in Cleburne County where floodwaters claimed the life of an individual after they were swept away by rushing waters. Emergency services, particularly the Turkey Heaven Volunteer Fire Department, found themselves in action with two rescues reported within two hours. The first rescue was early in the morning at 4:44 a.m., involving a vehicle overtaken by water near County Road 10. Just a couple of hours later, at 6:20 a.m., another rescue effort was launched for a vehicle stuck on County Road 41. One individual was saved, but the grim reality hit hard when the second passenger was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Widespread Warnings and Caution
The alarming rainfall didn’t just stay in Alabama. Heavy downpours were reported across various areas, including the Atlanta metro area and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, raising flood risks within these regions as well. Fire officials across the neighborhoods were issuing urgent calls for the community to take flood warnings seriously. They urged locals to be cautious and to avoid specific routes known to be prone to flooding.
A Long Expanse of Rain Ahead
The ongoing stalled cold front is projected to continue delivering a deluge of rain and the threat of flash flooding particularly across regions in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Central Georgia—especially around Macon and Albany—might witness upwards of 5 to 8 inches of rainfall by the time Thursday rolls around. The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on other potential tropical developments off the Southeast coast, though the chances remain low at the moment.
Urban Flooding and Tornado Watches
As the storm front wreaks havoc, major cities like Atlanta and Tallahassee are on alert for urban flooding. Severe weather is anticipated across northern Florida, southeastern Georgia, and the eastern Carolinas with forecasts indicating heavy rain and thunderstorms. Adding to the mix, the National Weather Service has issued tornado watches in parts of the southeastern U.S., creating more concern than comfort for residents.
Statewide Impact and Community Safety
The ramifications stretch far beyond Alabama. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky noted ongoing flood hazards as rainfall continued to saturate the landscape, prompting advisories for residents to steer clear of flooded areas. Kentucky specifically has seen the fallout from this storm, with two fatalities reported, including a heartbreaking case involving a 9-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters. Over 500 roads remain closed in Kentucky and flooding on the Ohio River at Cincinnati is expected to crest above flood stage, with significant impacts likely persisting downstream for weeks.
What Lies Ahead
Experts anticipate that the severe weather conditions may last until water levels significantly recede in affected areas. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather forecasts and to take safety measures during these trying times.
FAQ
What is causing the flooding in the Southeast?
The flooding is primarily due to a stalled cold front that has allowed Tropical Storm Dexter to develop, resulting in multiple days of heavy rainfall across the region.
How are residents being warned about the flooding?
Flood watches have been issued across several states, with emergency services and local officials strongly advising residents to heed these warnings and avoid flooded areas.
What areas are at risk of heavy rainfall and flooding?
Regions including Alabama, Florida, and Georgia are facing significant flooding risks, particularly urban areas such as Atlanta and Tallahassee. Central Georgia might see rainfall totals reaching 5-8 inches by Thursday.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Edgefield and Aiken Counties
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Severe Weather Impacts Millions Across the U.S. This Weekend
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Southeast Deadly Flooding
- Wikipedia: Flooding
- AOL: Flooding and Tornadoes Slam Southeast
- Google Search: Southeast flooding
- AccuWeather: Severe Storms and Flooding
- Google Scholar: Flooding Causes
- ABC News: Flooding Risk Continues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- News4Jax: Live Radar – Storms Move Through SE GA
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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